ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA – Indonesia’s political climate is heating up once again as the Forum of Retired Indonesian Military Officers has officially called for the impeachment of Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka.
Gibran is the son of Joko Widodo, the former President of Indonesia. A formal letter was submitted to the Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) Ahmad Muzani and Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR) Puan Maharani, citing constitutional violations and breaches of public ethics.
Interestingly, Jokowi responded to this growing political tension with composure. When approached after performing Eid al-Adha prayers in Solo, Central Java, Jokowi stated that the proposal was part of a healthy democratic process.
“This is a large country with a solid constitutional system. Let the process take its course. It’s normal, part of democratic dynamics,” Jokowi said on Friday, June 6, 2025.
Jokowi emphasized that a president or vice president can only be impeached under serious circumstances, such as proven corruption or dishonorable acts, as outlined in the 1945 Constitution.
“Presidents and vice presidents are elected as a pair. You can’t remove one without due process. There must be a clear violation,” said the former Jakarta governor.
Jokowi declined to comment further on the figures behind the impeachment move, including former Minister of Religious Affairs General (Ret.) Fachrul Razi, who co-signed the letter.
Who Are the Retired Officers Behind the Impeachment Call?
The impeachment letter, dated May 26, 2025, was signed by prominent senior military figures, including:
General (Ret.) Fachrul Razi – Minister of Religious Affairs (2019–2020), Deputy Commander of the Armed Forces (1999–2000)
General (Ret.) Tyasno Soedarto – Army Chief of Staff (1999–2000)
Admiral (Ret.) Slamet Soebijanto – Navy Chief of Staff (2005–2007)
Air Chief Marshal (Ret.) Hanafie Asnan – Air Force Chief of Staff (1998–2002)
The letter reportedly represents the views of 103 retired generals, 73 admirals, 65 air marshals, and 91 retired colonels. The Forum claims that the impeachment proposal is rooted in legal, ethical, and constitutional principles.
The Forum outlined four main arguments to justify Gibran’s removal:
1. Alleged Legal Violations and Conflict of Interest
Gibran’s candidacy as vice president was enabled by a controversial Constitutional Court ruling (Case No. 90/PUU-XXI/2023), issued by then Chief Justice Anwar Usman, Gibran’s uncle.
“The ruling represents a clear conflict of interest and violates judicial impartiality,” the Forum stated.
2. Questionable Leadership Capacity and Integrity
The Forum argued that Gibran lacks the experience and credentials to serve at the national level.
“He had only served two years as Mayor of Solo, and there are concerns about the authenticity of his academic credentials.”
3. Ethical and Moral Concerns: The “Fufufafa” Scandal
Gibran was allegedly linked to the anonymous “fufufafa” social media account, which posted offensive and racially charged comments. A hacking group claims the account’s data points to Gibran.
“The content of the posts was highly inappropriate and violated public morality.”
4. Alleged Corruption Involving the President’s Family
The Forum referenced earlier allegations of corruption, collusion, and nepotism (KKN) involving Gibran and his brother Kaesang Pangarep. These were previously reported by academic Ubedilah Badrun in 2022.
Parliament’s Response: Still Under Review
Deputy Speaker of the MPR, Bambang Wuryanto, confirmed that the letter had been received by the MPR Secretariat and would be reviewed if deemed urgent.
“If it’s considered important, we’ll bring it up in the leadership meeting,” he said at the parliament complex in Jakarta, June 4, 2025.
Meanwhile, Deputy Speaker of the DPR Sufmi Dasco Ahmad stated he had not yet reviewed the document.
“I haven’t read it yet, so I can’t comment,” he said briefly.
The impeachment proposal against Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has sparked widespread debate over legality, ethics, and democratic integrity in Indonesia. Regardless of its outcome, the process will serve as a litmus test for the strength of the nation’s constitutional democracy. (AT Network)
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